Bikes and scooters are an essential mode of travel in today’s rapidly changing world. The influx of students and workers seeking better opportunities overloads the urban infrastructure. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, effective means of transportation are a need of the hour. Apart from public transport, two-wheelers such as bikes and scooty are a great option to beat the traffic. Overdependence on cars and big SUVs is the root cause of congestion.
This is why, food delivery services and parcel services prefer bikes and scooty to get around the city in a limited time. Bike taxis have also gained popularity due to their speedy and affordable services. If you plan to work for delivery services or bike taxi apps, choosing the perfect bike or scooty requires careful planning. Working for these services is a great way to earn passive income and utilize idle time. If you need help understanding where to start, this guide might help you.
Purpose
The purpose of buying a bike or scooty should be clear in your mind. Whether you plan for long-distance parcel drop-off or food delivery services within a radius, your bike preference changes. Also, if you want to tie up with a bike taxi service, the requirements might differ. However, there are some common features you must consider to buy an entry-level bike.
Factors to Consider
- Reliable Brand- Choose a bike brand that is well-reputed in the industry. Bigger companies such as Bajaj and Hero do not compromise on product quality and offer excellent after-sales. If your income is dependent on your bike, choose and invest wisely.
- Engine- A scooty or a bike below 150 cc is perfect for a budget purchase. You will most likely use the bike in heavy traffic. Efficient driving and lesser fuel consumption should be the priority, instead of expensive sports bikes.
- Cost and Maintenance- Your budget for the bike should also include maintenance and other costs. Invest in a vehicle that will pay for itself in a few years. The maintenance should be minimal and not time-consuming.
- Servicing and Availability of Parts- Spare parts of popular bikes are easy to find. Such bikes can be serviced at any local or dealer servicer. Most garages know these bikes inside out. Your bike shouldn’t sit idle for long due to servicing or minor issues.
- Mileage- Rising fuel prices are a cause of worry for every commuter, especially the E20 fuel, which reduces the mileage. If your income is based on your bike, fuel during delivery services can eat up most of your earnings. It is better to choose bikes with mileage above 45 kmpl.
- Tires- Always prefer a tubeless tire over a tubed one. The chances of a tire burst are high on city roads. You do not want to miss out on deliveries or taxi passengers over a tire fail. Tubeless tires can be expensive but give an assurance.
Motorbikes Vs. Scooty
- A bike is more suitable for longer distances. Scooty is more maneuverable around city traffic and can cut your travel time.
- The cost of bikes is comparatively higher when we include the initial price and maintenance. Scooty is relatively cheaper and easy to maintain.
- With rising petrol prices, bikes offer better mileage over scooty while you retain most of your earnings.
- Scooty offers extra space for luggage or storing your helmet, while bikes require additional accessories.
- Learning to ride and control a scooty is easier than a geared bike, which can be an advantage for young students or inexperienced riders.
EVs (Electric Vehicles) Vs. ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)
EVs are trending. Contrary to traditional combustion engine bikes, EVs are more affordable and environmentally friendly. Considering your requirements, choosing an EV bikes over an engine bike depends on several factors-
- Even though EVs are popular, the charging and servicing network is still inadequate. Fast charging stations are limited to bigger cities while charging batteries at home consumes time.
- The range of EVs is also limited to the battery capacity. If you prefer long-distance deliveries for extra income, engine bikes offer better performance. However, if you wish to work for delivery services or bike taxis within a 5-10km radius, EVs will save money.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, riders must also consider their personal preferences and not choose a vehicle they are unfamiliar with. Delivery services and bike taxi apps are a reliable source of income. However, a reliable bike or scooty is the first step. Consider your requirements, budget, riding habits, etc., and choose the best two-wheeler with said factors.
